Where are We located?

Look around the google map terrain. You can zoom in and out to gain a perspective of where you are.

I've tried to indicate the nearest restaurants and other amenities within 5-10 minutes walk and the closest sandy beaches (blue pins).

There are steps to gain access to the rocky beach below our villa. However, you need care as the steps are quite old. If you like to snorkel, simply lie on the rocks to get a tan or hear the sound of the waves then its worth the trek.

       
View Villa Mannu, Santa Maria Del Mare in a larger map

Current Weather forecast

Average annual weather conditions

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Relative humidity	84	79	75	73	74	68	68	70	73	78	82	83
Hours Of sun	5	6	7	8	8	10	11	10	8	6	5	4
Precipitation sum	53	50	43	36	25	10	3	10	30	56	59	53
Precipitation days	11	7	8	10	8	4	2	3	7	7	17	13

Annual Average Weather & Sea Temperatures

 

Beaches

I've put together photos of the main beaches. Starting with the closest ones. There are just so many.

The Rocks- 5 minutes walk down a steep series of stairs. Great for sun-bathing and snorkeling. Not suitable for infants.

It's not really fair to call this a beach but it has to be included because it lies so close to the villa. The rocks you can see have flat bases so you can sit, read, admire the coast, in a peaceful setting. This photo was taken in Spring. In Summer the water is crystal clear; great swimming.

 

Beach Castangius-10 minute walk. Heading South towards Porto Alabe.

This is a beautiful small beach tucked away among rocks. The sands get really warm. It's also a natural grainy sand. Surprisingly, it does get a little busy in August. On a clear windless day the water is crystal clear and the rocks have a plethora of multi-coloured fish.

 

Beach Porto Alabe- 15 minute walk (5 minute drive preferred)

A beautiful beach that can be quite exciting when the waves pick up. it is a surfing area in the late Summer and Autumn. There are beach guards during August. It does get busy during August (but not so you would notice).

 

Bosa Beaches- 10 minute drive or less towards the town of Bosa-Less adventurous but way safer for small children

Our Favourite Beach-Beach by the Tower (stop at Porto Alabe, 20 minute walk via the coastal hill pass). yes its quite a hike but worth it.

Why? Quite simply a paradise. Not many people go there. The snorkeling is phenomenal. The tower you see has a cave and the kids just love to jump off the rocks (not for the wary, between 15 to 30 metre drops!) You need a back-pac and plenty of water but it's well worth it and it'll give pleasant memories.

 

Bosa/Bosa Marina

Click to get a 360 degree view of Bosa. This gives you some added info about the area as well.

Bosa has a lot to interest and entertain the visitor. However, above all, its charm is that it is a living and working town. It has its own dedicated festivals and markets.

It is still possible to see old gentleman sat outside weaving lobster pots and old ladies, dressed in black, sat at their looms weaving patterns from ancient tales.

The walk by the side of the river is palm tree lined and from here you can look at the many fishing and pleasure boats moored at the river banks.

From a practical viewpoint Bosa has two large supermarkets on your way into Via Alghero and Via Nazonale.

The center of Bosa around Via Giovanni XXIII  has a good selection of shops including Bank (with cash points), Internet access, Pharmacy, Bakery, and numerous places to eat, drink and watch the world go by.

Then of course there is Bosa Marina. The beach is lovely and in Summer great for small children with lots of enteratinment, bars and restaurants.

It takes less than 10 minutes to arrive here by car from the villa and we've never had a real problem parking the car; even in at peak season.

Surrounding Hillside Areas

Santa Maria Del Mare is part of the comune of Magomadas. Historically Magomadas village lay closer to the hamlet but the farmers decided that invading Moors from the coast would be better fought higher up the mountain; hence where Magomadas lies now. There are numerous other small villages including; Flussio (beautiful murals), Tresnuraghes, Suni, Modolo (you simply must try out the 14 course dinner at La Sariaga, near the village church). The gentlemen sitting in the sun, still look at you with curiousity.

To get a really good feel of the countryside you need to take a ride on the The trennino verde which is avialable during the month of July through to Septamber. This takes you through stunning countryside and the locals invite you to feast (and buy of course) on their cusine and wine.